For the Ceramics Department, a particular interest is integrating rapid prototyping into our ceramic ‘Process & Design’ course, which relates mold/production techniques to ‘boutique design’. Further, we wish to connect rapid prototyping to the making of models for our 60-ton RAM press. Current buddhism and on-line dating experiments include 2-part starch and ABS molds for the making of silicone and urethane rubber models, which are then used to cast ‘male’ parts in RAM die molds. We are beginning to experiment with various output media, hard to flexible.

Given the close relationship of NSCAD’s Ceramics Department to the Dalhousie University School of Architecture speed dating in maryland in Halifax, the first architectural object underway is small connector unit to construct interior screens and scrims.

NSCAD Ceramics is cultivating relationships with several research-oriented architects to exploit ceramics properties in scenarios for sustainable design. I am a consultant on Philip Beesley’s SSHRC (Social Sciences and Research Council, Canada) grant entitled ‘Responsive Architectures’, which investigates a sculptural vision of architectural surfaces composed of interlocking matrixes of various natures (conducted through the Architecture program at the University of Waterloo, Ontario). See http://www.philipbeesleyarchitect.com/

NSCAD Jewellery Department has been the college pioneer in 3D visualization software with the use homer web cam of JewelCAD and Rhino as part of coursework. Rapid prototyping and lost wax casting is used to produce CAD creations, with some outside CNC milling. Until the arrival of our ZCorp printer, Jewellery students have shipped files to private companies that print jewelry prototypes for them. The achievement of fine detail remains a question for jewelers and specific RP equipment.

In sarah 26 nyc interracial dating our Product Design Department, a recent addition to NSCAD’s Design Division, faculty member Glen Hougan has begun experimenting with ZCorp prints in thematic work on health and aging issues. First prints were non-working models of asthma atomizers.

In a separate federally funded research initiative, NSCAD colleague Robin Muller has acquired a Dimension Printer (outputting ABS plastic), for exclusive use on a ‘Smart Textiles’ initiative. Electronic fabric is interwoven with lights, sensors and actuators to be responsive to sound, movement, sunlight and touch. These prototypes are developments in curtains, free standing walls, theatrical backdrops, and hung wildcat12788 dating photo profile ceilings for tensile roofs.

NSCAD University has committed to supporting faculty in research partnerships outside the institution (see http://www.nscad.ns.ca/research/research_centres.php). This is a innovative direction for a ‘stand alone’ art school, which we hope will create unique opportunities for faculty and students, which may allow for new kinds of research or project-based MFA studies in the future.

This post over at GetLoFi.com highlighting an audio sampler made from laser cut cardboard and silk-screened conductive paint got me thinking… has anyone developed an electrically conductive glaze? Seems pretty simple — an iron rich glaze, maybe with some silver? Then you could run low voltage through it to light LED’s, run speakers, attach motion sensors, etc. Man, I’m salivating. Let’s fabricate this idea!

This past week I ran across a site for a new 3d printer that uses standard office paper as its consumable media. How cool is that? The resolution looks pretty good, and given that they are advertising the cost of consumables (paper, cutting blades) at 40 times less expensive than other 3d printers, this could be revolutionary. The basic premise is simple. Like other fabrication technologies, the MCOR Matrix software slices the model into layers which, in this case, are the thickness of 20lb. office paper. It then cuts the profile of each layer out of the paper and uses a PVA-based adhesive to bond the layers together. From reading the FAQ, it sounds like the adhesive is applied much like an inkjet printer.

While this printer is still in development, it appears that it is close to coming to the market, unlike some other alternative fabricating technologies.

We have tried to break the current trend of system manufactures that follow the 2D printer market who on the one hand offer machines with ever reducing capital cost while on the other making 40-50% revenue on materials. The core material for the Mcor Matrix is paper (which is purchased by the end user) with the blade and adhesive supplied by Mcor Technologies at a volume discounted prices. The total cost of ownership, factoring in the consumables makes our system the best value for money in real costs.

For both future use (at the proposed workshop, fall 2009) and probably here and there during this whole this project here are some links to the Art Tech Center and the tools that I can make available to you at MICA (Maryland Institute College of Art):

http://www.mica.edu/tss/printing/3dprinter/

http://www.mica.edu/tss/printing/lasercutters/

there is also a Roland GX-300 vinyl cutter that is available

Each link talks about the software and file type that works with the machines, and vector files (Illustrator) are used for the vinyl cutter) At this point I’ve been trained in on both the vinyl cutter and laser cutters, posts about future materials testing on these machines and applications for the 3-D printer will be upcoming…